Neglect

Dependence on negligence
Negligent people
Default
Dereliction
Heedlessness
Inadvertence
Laxness
Oversight

Nature

Negligence is a failure to give thought or to pay attention to the risks inherent in one's actions and to take the appropriate precautions against these risks. A negligent act may not result in harm but it, nevertheless, is an act of carelessness. Recklessness, involving the awareness of high risk, is contrasted with negligence in which there should have been awareness of the existence of such risk. Negligence refers to circumstances in which a reasonable person would have been aware of the risk.

Incidence

A 2022 report by the World Health Organization estimated that globally, at least 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older experienced some form of neglect in community settings during the past year. Neglect is also a significant concern for children; UNICEF reported in 2021 that approximately 1 in 3 children under five worldwide do not receive adequate care and supervision, with higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2017, a high-profile case in California, USA, revealed the severe neglect of 13 siblings by their parents in Perris. The children, aged 2 to 29, were found malnourished and living in squalid conditions, prompting international attention and legal action.

Claim

Neglect is a pervasive and insidious issue that devastates lives and communities. It manifests in various forms—child neglect, elder abandonment, and mental health disregard—leaving deep emotional and physical scars. This silent epidemic undermines societal well-being, perpetuates cycles of trauma, and stifles potential. We must confront neglect with urgency, advocating for awareness, support systems, and accountability. Ignoring this problem is not an option; it is our moral duty to protect the vulnerable and foster a compassionate society.

Counter-claim

Neglect is often overstated as a significant issue. Many people face challenges in life, and labeling them as neglect diminishes personal responsibility and resilience. Society tends to focus on victimhood rather than encouraging individuals to overcome adversity. By exaggerating the impact of neglect, we divert attention from more pressing issues like poverty and education. Instead of fostering dependency, we should promote self-sufficiency and empowerment, making neglect seem less relevant in the grand scheme of societal problems.

Neglect

Nature

Incidence

Claim

Counter-claim

Broader

Narrower

Aggravates

Aggravated by

Related

Strategy

Value

SDG

Metadata